Filter wrench size

I think the Fram filter is smaller.

I use a three-fingered wrench. It has a 3/8" square drive and uses a gear to pull the arms tighter when you turn the wrench.

I've done my best to measure a filter. Unfortunately, I don't have a cap wrench that I can just size up with a tame measure. It seems to be 11.0" in circumference, with 15 flats on the end and the corners even with the circumference of the filter. I'm not sure how you size up an wrench which hits a flat on one side and a corner 180 degrees away. Anyway, here's my estimates: Diameter = 3.50" = 88.9mm Radius = 1.75" = 44.5mm Apothem (perpendicular to side) = 2Rcos(12deg) = 1.71" = 43.4mm Depending on how they measure, I could see the range being 3 and 7/16 inches to 3.5 inches (87mm - 89mm). And there could be a couple mm error in there as well. I didn't have anything to accurately measure the filter itself, so I wrapped a piece of solder around it and measured the solder.

Also beware of filters that are very small. From your 65/67mm measurement, I'd judge that's what you have. I've been told (only semireliable word of mouth) that these are the ones that can cause oil starvation to the engine, but have no actual firsthand or official evidence of this other than Hyundai's TSB 05-20-002 cautioning in general against using aftermarket filters. I suppose you can assign whatever importance to this you wish. Personally, I don't recall having a serious issue with any car with one of these filters. I've see a few XGs with lifter tap that went away after an oil change, but it wasn't necessarily clear whether the issue was the filter or the oil.

I didn't buy one of the small Fram filters, I was just using it to try to buy the correct size filter wrench as I didn't have one of my Hyundai filters in my pocket at the time! :-)

I didn't realize the wrench was too small until I went to change my oil. I got a fairly good deal on a case of Hyundai filters from a dealer in Washington that sells online.

I just need to find a wrench now to fit the filter. I see that Snap-on tools sells a three fingered wrench like you describe, but it is $28 and I don't need to invest that much in a wrench I use a couple of times a year. My strap wrench works great on every other vehicle, but they have good access to the filter unlike the Sonata which has that stupid plastic shield under the engine.

Matt

This is why I like to use a wrench such as this one that Princess Auto sells (go to

and select the Shop Online button beside the On Sale Now selection on the top far right and enter LARGE GRIP PLIERS or part number

2920454 in the search area once page one of the on sale now page comes up. They sell for $4.88 Canadian and they work on all oil filters). Just a suggestion of another type of wrench/pliers to try.

Cheers, Lawrence

Thanks, but this would have the same problem as my current wrench, namely you need access to the periphery of the filter and the Sonata only allows easy access to the end of the filter which is why I'm looking for an end wrench.

Matt

To my knowledge, the only way you can currently get a cap wrench to fit is by buying Hyundai's special tool.

I bought my wrench at Sears. I'm sure it was much less than $28. Looks identical to the Snap-On except that it says "Craftsman."

Hi again Matt, I was just browsing through the Princess Auto online catalog again and I came across the 3-fingered oil filter wrench for $9.99 (Canadian). It is part number 8104028 in their On Sale Now section of their online catalog.

Cheers, Lawrence

I had Easter dinner at a relative's house which isn't far from an Autozone and they were open today. They had one of the 3-finger wrenches for $7 so I picked one up. Another 5,000 miles on the Sonata and I'll get the change to try it out!

Matt